Through its strategic planning process, United Way of the Coastal Empire identified primary Impact Areas of interest for community stakeholders.  These focus areas serve to guide the purposeful allocation of available resources to enhance the long-term quality of life in the community.  Within each Impact Area listed below, standard results have also been identified.  Funding will be provided to the most effective programs that are achieving one or more of the following results, as demonstrated through viable, measurable indicators.

1.     Education & Youth Development: Helping children, youth and adults achieve their potential.

• • Readiness to succeed in school: Children display age-appropriate cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills.
  • Academic achievement: Children and youth meet or exceed academic standards.
  • Productive and engaged young people: Children and adolescents are socially responsible members of society.

2.     Health & Wellness: Improving health for all.

• • Basic health coverage for the under- or uninsured: People have primary healthcare and a medical home.
  • Prevention and health education: People recognize and practice a healthy lifestyle.
  • Maternal and infant well-being: Pregnant women and infants receive specialized healthcare.

3.     Economic Independence: Promoting financial stability and economic sustainability.

• • Increase income and savings: People acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their finanical condition.
  • Asset building and retention: Individuals and families develop and increase personal wealth.
  • Financial literacy and stability: People understand adn practice fiscal responsibility.

4.     Basic Human Needs:  Providing fundamentals to those in crisis, including but not limited to:

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  • Food: People are able to meet thier nutritional needs.
  • Clothing: People obtain clothing and other personal care items.
  • Shelter: People are able to meet their housing needs.
  • Transportation: People are able to meet their transportation needs.
  • Disaster relief: People receive immediate assistance following a natural or man-made disaster.
  • Safety: People are kept safe from violence.
  • Resources: People gain knowledge of and ultilize community resources.